Hispanics may face higher risk for Type 2 diabetes

MCALLEN, TEXAS — Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing diseases in this region of Texas. According to a San Antonio heart study, the death rate for diabetes is 50% higher for Hispanics in comparison to Anglo patients.

Dr. Marcel Twahirwa, of Doctors Hospital at Renaissance says, “It is very common among Hispanics, especially here in the valley; the prevalence of diabetes here is about 30 percent.”

A recent medical study shows Hispanics may face higher risks for Type 2 diabetes because they’re more likely to store fat in their pancreas, but less likely to be able to produce more insulin to compensate for the excess of fat.

The disease seems to be affecting more Americans. Currently, 26 million Americans have diabetes and 79 million have already been diagnosed as pre-diabetic.

The study found an association between ethnicity and insulin resistance. On the other hand, it did not find a cause-and-effect relationship, because the study is still in its early stages.

Doctors say it’s important to be tested and to treat the disease so that it doesn’t advance.